PLANS have been unveiled for a new £11 million outdoor education centre and specialist college which could be come a community's 'jewel in the crown'.

Registered charity Petty Pool has announced proposals for a major development at its Sandiway college site.

Known as 'Project Learn Hive', the three-phase scheme includes the creation of a new residential outdoor centre, a community hub and an updated state-of-the-art college campus for up to 160 young people with learning disabilities and difficulties.

A decision will be made by Cheshire West and Chester Council on whether to approve the plans, which Petty Pool CEO Sally Garratt says will secure the charity's long-term sustainability.

She added: "Petty Pool is a fantastic place to work, learn and explore, with such an inclusive and diverse offer for young people embarking on their next chapter of college life.

"We want to ensure the charity is sustainable for the long term and meets the needs of our community in Cheshire.

"The current plans represent a major development of our outdoor centre and college campus that will ensure it is a centre of excellence and a true jewel in the crown of our local community."

Northwich Guardian: L-R: Alex Hopwood and Grace Clougher at Petty Pool CollegeL-R: Alex Hopwood and Grace Clougher at Petty Pool College (Image: Petty Pool)

The project, which has been deigned by Squires and Brown and Land Studios, and overseen by CV Planning, will not only benefit Petty Pool learners but the surrounding community as well.

The proposed community hub will include a café, a shop and a multi-purpose space for sporting activity, arts and performance with an outdoor learning space.

If granted permission, the new outdoor education centre will offer a broad range of activities and cater for residentials for up to 60 school children at a time.

Petty Pool anticipates more than 6,000 local school children per year, as well as people from other community groups and college learners, will benefit from the new centre.

Tom Coe, Petty Pool's estates and facilities manager, believes the changes will be a huge asset to families across Cheshire and beyond.

He said: "We are fortunate to have a large campus in 40-acres of ancient woodland that is the ideal setting for this new and exciting development.

"Some of our current buildings are reaching their life expectancy and need updating so that we can continue to provide quality learning opportunities for young people in Cheshire."

A series of engagement events are being run by the Petty Pool Trust to highlight the ambitious plans to residents and key stakeholders.

If given the green light, it is anticipated the full project will take eight years to complete and cost in the region of £11 million.

The charity is launching a fundraising campaign to secure the capital.